Fluency

What are Fluency Disorders?

Fluency refers to the natural flow and rhythm of speech. When a child has a fluency disorder, their speech may be interrupted in ways that make it difficult for them to communicate clearly and confidently.

The Two Main Types of Fluency Disorders:

Stuttering – This involves interruptions in speech such as:

  • Repeating sounds, syllables, or words (e.g., “b-b-ball”)

  • Prolonging sounds (e.g., “sssssun”)

  • Blocking—when speech seems to get “stuck” and no sound comes out

  • Signs of physical tension, like facial strain or body movements, may also be present

Cluttering – This is characterized by:

  • Speaking at a rapid or irregular rate

  • Frequent pauses and disorganized speech

  • Disfluencies that may include slurred or omitted syllables

  • Unusual speech rhythm or prosody

Why it Matters:

Children with fluency disorders may become frustrated or anxious when speaking. These challenges can affect their ability to participate in conversations, engage socially, and perform well in classroom settings. Over time, this can impact their self-esteem and confidence.

How Can We Help?

Our pediatric speech therapists provide personalized therapy to help children improve the rhythm and clarity of their speech. We focus on reducing disfluencies, building self-confidence, and developing strategies that help children communicate more comfortably in a variety of settings.